Moisture Sensing Garment

ABSTRACT

A moisture detecting article includes a moisture detection module secured to a garment, intended to contain and hold bodily fluids excreted by an animal. The moisture detection module is connectable to a moisture sensor disposed in the garment to detect when bodily fluid is excreted. If moisture is detected, the moisture sensitive detection module enables one or more signals, alarming the animal and its caretaker. The garment includes a moisture absorbent material, detachable from the garment for disposal of the excretion.

I. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Generally, embodiments of a moisture detection module and methods fordetecting moisture. Specifically, embodiments of a moisture detectinggarment including a garment and a moisture detection module secured to agarment. Particular embodiments can be useful in housetraining ormonitoring pet animals by detecting body fluids eliminated from the petanimal. The moisture detecting garment can be worn by the pet animal toposition moisture sensor to detect elimination of body fluids by the petanimal and provide both the pet animal and the pet caretaker with awarning signal of moisture detection.

II. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A broad object of embodiments can be a moisture detecting articlecomprising a garment and a moisture detection module secured to thegarment. The moisture detection module includes a moisture sensordisposed to sense moisture excreted in the garment, which in turn,generates moisture sensor signals upon occurrence of moisture in thegarment. The moisture detection module also includes a processorcommunicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readable mediumcontaining computer executable instructions executable to activate atleast one moisture indicator, which emits a sensorially perceivableindicia upon detection of the moisture in the garment.

Another broad object of embodiments can be a method of moisturedetection in an article. The method comprises securing a moisturedetection module to a garment. The moisture detection module includes amoisture sensor and a processor communicatively coupled to anon-transitory computer readable medium containing computer executableinstructions. The method further includes disposing the moisture sensorat a location in the garment to sense moisture and initializing themoisture detection module secured to the garment. The computerexecutable instructions are executable to receive moisture sensorsignals generated by the moisture sensor, analyze the moisture sensorsignals received from the moisture sensor, detect moisture in thegarment based on analysis of the moisture sensor signals, validatedetection of the moisture in the garment, and activate a moistureindicator which emits a sensorially perceivable indicia upon detectionof the moisture in the garment. The method further comprises emitting asensorially perceivable indicia from the moisture detection module uponoccurrence of sensed moisture in the garment.

Yet another broad object of embodiments can be a method of using amoisture detection article which includes securing a moisture detectionmodule to a garment, disposing the moisture sensor at a location in thegarment to sense moisture, positioning the garment on a wearer, andinitializing the moisture detection module secured to the garment. Themoisture detection module includes a processor communicatively coupledto a non-transitory computer readable medium containing computerexecutable instructions executable to receive moisture sensor signalsgenerated by the moisture sensor, analyze the moisture sensor signalsreceived from the moisture sensor, detect the moisture in the garmentbased on analysis of the moisture sensor signals, validate detection ofthe moisture in the garment, and activate a moisture indicator whichemits a sensorially perceivable indicia upon detection of the moisturein the garment. The method further comprises re-initializing themoisture detection module to disable the moisture indicator andinterrupt emission of the sensorially perceivable indicia.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughoutother areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

III. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a moisture detectingarticle worn by a garment wearer.

FIG. 2A is a top view of an embodiment of a moisture detecting article.

FIG. 2B is a side sectional view of an embodiment of a moisturedetecting article.

FIG. 3 is a front end view of an embodiment of a moisture detectingarticle.

FIG. 4 is a rear end view of an embodiment of a moisture detectingarticle.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of an embodiment of a moisture detectingarticle.

FIG. 6 is a right side view of an embodiment of a moisture detectingarticle.

FIG. 7 a top view of an embodiment of a moisture detecting article.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a moisture detectingarticle.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of a moisture detection moduleelectrically coupled to a moisture sensor.

FIG. 10 is a top, plan view of an embodiment of a moisture detectionmodule.

FIG. 11 is a bottom, plan view of an embodiment of a moisture detectionmodule.

FIG. 12 is a decision-based flow diagram illustrating operation of anembodiment of a moisture detection module.

IV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally, embodiments of a moisture detection module and methods fordetecting moisture are described herein and illustrated in theaccompanying figures. Specifically, embodiments of a moisture detectinggarment including a garment and a moisture detection module secured to agarment. The garment can be worn in a configuration to capture bodyfluids originating from the garment wearer. The moisture detectionmodule can include a moisture sensor disposable in the garment to detectoccurrence of moisture in the garment. Upon moisture detection, themoisture detection module can activate one or more moisture indicatorsto correspondingly emit one or more sensorially perceivable indicia. Inparticular embodiments, a moisture absorbent material can be removablyaffixed to the garment. The moisture absorbent material can capturemoisture inside of the garment and be released from the garment toremove captured moisture from the garment.

Now referring to the figures wherein like reference numerals denote likestructure throughout the specification, with reference primarily to FIG.1 which depicts a moisture detecting article (1) which, can but need notnecessarily, include a garment (2) and moisture detection module (7), asworn by wearer (W) to detect moisture (3) occurring in the garment (2).In the example of FIG. 1, the wearer (W) can be an animal, such as, adog or a cat. However, this illustrative example is not intended topreclude embodiments of the moisture detecting article (1) which can beworn by either non-human or human animals. The moisture detection module(7) can have applications outside the scope of garment (2). In regard tomoisture detection garments, the term “moisture” means a body fluid (orcombinations of body fluid) originating from the wearer (W) (whetherhuman or non-human) such as: urine, feces, saliva, blood, breastmilk,mucus, vaginal secretion, semen, amniotic fluid, or vomit.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the garment (2) can, butneed not necessarily, be made of a moisture absorbent material. Garment(2) can be comfortable for the wearer (W) as well as sanitary andwashable. The garment (2) can be a wrap type article having a medialportion (2C) disposed between a first end portion (2A) which releasablyfastens to a second end portion (2B). While the embodiment shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate use of hook and loop fasteners (2D) toreleasably fasten the first end portion (2A) to the second end portion(2B), various other fasteners known in the art can be used to fastenfirst and second end portions (2A)(2B) to secure the garment (2) to thewearer (W).

In particular embodiments, the garment (2) can, but need notnecessarily, include elasticized trim (4A, 4B) on the peripheral edgesof the garment (2) which can elastically conform to the wearer (W). Thegarment (2) can be made from various materials including or consistingof: synthetic fibers, such as polyester, acrylic, nylon, rayon, acetate,spandex, latex, Orlon®, Kevlar®, or the like, or natural fibers such as:wool, cashmere, cotton, silk, linen, hemp, or the like, or in variouscombinations thereof, either as one layer or joined as a plurality oflayers, or combinations thereof.

Various fasteners, straps, clips or hooks, or combinations thereof, canbe used to secure the moisture detection module (7) to the garment (2).In the particular embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the externalcasing (9) of the moisture detection module (7) includes an outwardlyextending peripheral margin (9A) removably insertable into slits (5A,5B) corresponding located in the garment (2). In particular embodiments,the external casing (9) of the moisture detection module (7) can besecured to the garment (2) at location that does not allow the wearer(W) to remove the moisture detection module (7) from the garment (2). Inthe illustrative example of a wearer (W) being pet animal, the garment(2) can be wrapped about the pet animal with first and second endportions (2A), (2B) fastened in overlapping engagement over the top lineof the pet animal and the medial portion (2C) disposed about the bellyof the pet animal (as shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 1) andthe moisture detection module (7) can be secured to the garment (2) nearthe overlapping engagement of the first and second end portions(2A),(2B) of the garment (2). With respect to pet animals such as dogsor cats, this location of the moisture detection module (7) can beunreachable by mouth and paws, and provides ready access to the moisturedetection module (7) by the pet animal's caretaker (C) to secure,detach, and re-secure the moisture detection module (7) to the garment(2).

With continuing reference to FIG. 2B, embodiments can, but need notnecessarily, include a moisture absorbent material (6) removablyaffixable to the garment (2). In particular embodiments, the moistureabsorbent material (6) can be obtained as conventional disposablediapers or a liner pads. Various other moisture absorbent materials (6)may be used for greater or lesser absorbency depending on theapplication such as silica gel, clay, calcium chloride, or the like.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, moisture absorbentmaterial (6) can be detachably secured to the garment (2) near specificanatomical locations of the wearer (W) to receive and capture moisture(3) in the form of body fluid. Various other fasteners, straps, andhooks can be used to secure the moisture absorbent material (6) to thegarment (2).

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 5 through 8, embodiments of themoisture detection module (7) can include a circuit board (8) disposedin external casing (9). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, certainelements can pass through the external casing (9) such as an on/offswitch (18) and a reset switch (19) or be viewable through the externalcasing (9) such as a power indicator (26), low battery indicator (20),or moisture indicator (21).

Referring primarily to FIG. 9, particular embodiments of the moisturedetection module (shown without the external casing (9)) can furtherinclude a moisture sensor (10) made from thin and flexiblenon-conductive, but not extendable or compressible substrate (alsoreferred to as the “substrate”) (12A). Such flexible and non-conductivesubstrates can include or consist of: a polyimide, a polyester, asilicone, and other suitable material, or combinations thereof. Moisturesensor (10) can be substantially flat, yet conformable to theconfiguration of the garment (2) or the moister absorbent material (6)when worn by the wearer (W). The substrate (12A) of the moisture sensor(10) affords a substrate surface area (12A′) which can be substantiallyadjusted to be greater or lesser in area depending on the applicationdue the nature of the flexible substrate (12A).

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 9, an embodiment of the moisturesensor (10) includes one or more moisture sensing strips (12B) laid downon the substrate (12A). The sensing strips (12B) can be an array ofcapacitive-based sensing elements. In the particular embodiment shown inFIG. 9, the sensing elements take the form of two generally planarelectrodes (12B′)(12B″) of an open-face virtual capacitor. In particularembodiments, the sensing strips (12B) can be laid down on the substrate(12A) by etching of a silver sheet laminated onto the substrate (12A).

With continuing reference primarily to FIG. 9, moisture detection module(7) further includes a sensor conductor (11), which connects themoisture sensor (10) to the circuit board (8) by way of interface (13)and connector (14). Any suitable type of interface or connector can beused, depending on the number of sensing strips (12B) laid down on themoisture sensor (10). For example, in particular embodiments, interface(13) can be a USB bundled type connection, and connector (14) can be azero-insertion force connector or any other suitable connector.

Now referring primarily to FIGS. 10 and 11, circuit board (8) can, butneed not necessarily, be a two-sided substrate (a first side shown inFIG. 10 and a second side shown in FIG. 11). In particular embodiments,the first side of the circuit board (8) can support a power source (16).The power source (16) shown in the example of FIG. 10 includes a batteryholder (16A) adapted to electrically couple batteries (17A, 17B). Thefirst side of circuit board (8) can further support, at least onemoisture indicator (21), (23), or (24). In particular embodiments, theat least one moisture indicator (21), (23) or (24) can respectively takethe form of a light emitting element (21) which emits a sensoriallyperceivable amount of light (21A) to either the garment wearer (W) orthe caretaker (C) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1), a sound emittingelement (23) which emits a sensorially perceivable amount of sound (23A)to garment wearer (W) or the caretaker (C) (as shown in the example ofFIG. 1), and a vibration emitting element (24) which emits a sensoriallyperceivable amount of vibration (24A) to the garment wearer (W) or thecaretaker (C) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1). The light emittingelement (21) can, but need not necessarily, be a light emitting diode.In particular embodiments, the light emitting element (21) can, but neednot necessarily, be color coded by emitted wavelength or light emittingelement cover (as one example perceivable as red colored) to distinguishthis moisture indicator (21) from other light emitting elements such asa power status indicator (26) (as one example perceivable as greencolored) or a low power level indicator (20)(for example perceivable asyellow or orange). In particular embodiments, the vibration emittingelement (24) can be an eccentric rotating mass motor available fromDigikey, PN 159701244. In particular embodiments, the sound emittingelement (23) can, but need not necessarily, be an alerts buzzeravailable from Mouser Electronics, PN CMI-9643-SMT-TR. Theseillustrative examples of moisture indicators (21), (23) and (24) are notintended to preclude embodiments which incorporate similar or equivalentindicators, or other indicators, currently or prospectively available.For example, the sound emitting element (23) could also take the form ofpiezoelectric speaker, an electrodynamic speaker, miniature speakerincluding a mylar cone and plastic frame such as PSR-13N08A-JQ availablefrom PUI Audio.

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 10, the first side of circuit board(8) can further support a power status indicator (26) which illuminatesto indicate the power “on” condition of the moisture detection module(7) and a low power level indicator (20) which illuminates to indicate alow power level condition of the power source (16). Both the powerstatus indicator (26) and the low power lever indicator (20) can, butneed not necessarily, be light emitting diodes.

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 10, the first side of circuit board(8) can further support a tail-pin header sensor system (27), as well asa vibration emitter engage/shunt (22).

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 10, the circuit board (8) can furtherinclude an on/off switch (18) and a reset button (19). In particularembodiments, either one or both of the on/off switch (18) and the resetbutton (19) can be positioned for accessibility on a sidewall of thecasing (9)(as show in the example of FIG. 7) rather than in anupward-facing direction from the circuit board (8)(as shown in theexample of FIG. 10).

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 10, embodiments can, but need notnecessarily, include a communications subsystem (25) which wirelesslyconnects to any of a plurality of commercially available client systems(25A) used by a caretaker (C). The communications subsystem (25) cancommunicate with any one of, or any combination of, one or more LocalArea Networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), wireless networks,telephone networks, the Internet and/or other networks.

With continuing reference, primarily to FIG. 10, particular embodimentscan, but need not necessarily, include a communications subsystem (25)having one or more wireless portals, for example, BLUETOOTH® or WI-FI®technology. A client system (25A) can be used to access or communicatewith the communications subsystem (25). For example, client systems(25A) can include or consist of: personal computers, workstations,laptop computers, game consoles, handheld network enabled audio/videoplayers or combinations thereof. Client systems (25A) can includehandheld wireless devices, including or consisting of: a mobile phone ora handheld network enabled audio/music player, which may also be usedfor accessing network content. The client systems (25A) can also beutilized in combination with a handheld wireless device application(25B) from any available application source provider, such as the AppStore by Apple®.

Now referring primarily to FIG. 11, embodiments can further include amicroprocessor system (29) which manages data and controls operation ofthe moisture detection module (7). In particular embodiments of themoisture detecting module (7), microprocessor system (29) includes aprocessor (29A) communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computerreadable medium (29B) containing computer-executable instructions (29C).Microprocessor system (29) can, as an illustrative example, include oneor more elements disposed on the circuit board (8) for storing data as anon-transitory computer readable media. The elements of thenon-transitory computer readable medium can be formed as an integratedcircuit or chip having flash memory or any other type of memorystructure for storing data. In various embodiments, microprocessorsystem (29) of the moisture detecting article (1) can include any ofvarious types of memory devices or storage devices, controllers, timers,input/output ports, counters, and interrupters or re-interrogators.

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 11, in addition, the microprocessorsystem (29) can be communicatively coupled via communications subsystem(25) to a client system (25A), as referred above, in which the pluralityof client systems (25A) are connected to one another over a network,such as the Internet. In some embodiments, communication protocols,included as part of communications subsystem (25), can be used forphysically and communicatively coupling the moisture detection module(7) to a client system (25A), such as a computing device, in order tofacilitate data transfer between the moisture detection module (7) andthe computing device. Communications subsystem (25), in addition to thedescriptions above, can include a physical transmission medium, such asa bus, network, or other physical transmission medium that conveyssignals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals.

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 11, in some embodiments,microprocessor system (29) can be a non-transitory computer readablemedium (29B) containing computer executable instructions (29C)executable to activate at least one moisture indicator (21, 23, 24)(asshown in the example of FIG. 10) which emits a sensorially perceivableindicia (21A, 23A, 24A) upon detection of moisture (3) in the garment(2) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1). The computer executableinstructions (29C) are further executable to receive moisture sensorsignals (15) generated by the moisture sensor (10), analyze the moisturesensor signals (15) received from the moisture sensor (10), detect themoisture (3) in the garment (2) based on analysis of the moisture sensorsignals (15), and validate detection of the moisture (3) in the garment(2).

Still referring primarily to FIG. 11, microprocessor system (29), invarious embodiments, can be a non-transitory computer readable medium(29B) containing computer executable instructions (29C) executable toactivate each of the plurality of the moisture indicators (21, 22, 23)and deactivate each of the plurality of the moisture indicators (21, 22,23) upon elapse of a period of time. Light emitting element (21) can,but need not necessarily, remain activated until deactivated by acaretaker (C) interaction with the reset switch (19).

Various embodiments further include receiving or storing instructions ordata implemented in accordance with the foregoing description of themicroprocessor system (29) and the moisture detecting article (1).

Now referring primarily to FIG. 12, microprocessor system (29) of themoisture detection module (7) can include a processor (29A)communicatively coupled to a non-transistory computer readable medium(29B) containing computer executable instructions (29C) (also referredto as “instructions”)(as shown in the example of FIG. 11) executable tooperate the moisture detection module (7). The illustrative operation ofthe moisture detection module (7) shown in FIG. 12 is not intended topreclude embodiments only included a portion of the operations shown orto preclude embodiments in which all or portions of the operations shownare performed in a different order. In one embodiment, operation of themoisture detection module (7) can include a start sequence (30) whichincludes placing the on/off switch (18) in the “on” condition to supplypower to the moisture detection module (7). Upon start (30), themicroprocessor system (29) can follow an initialization sequence (31)which assigns initial values or default values to data variables. Themanner in which the initialization sequence (31) is performed depends onprogramming language, as well as type, storage class of the datavariable to be initialized. In particular embodiments, operation (32)further includes execution of instructions (29C) to activate the powerstatus indicator (26), and in particular embodiments, the power statusindicator (26) can be activated and then deactivated upon elapse of aperiod of time (for example, the power status indicator (26) can beturned on for ten seconds then turned off). In particular embodiments,operation (33) further includes execution of instructions (29C) toassess a power level value (43) of the power source (16) electricallyconnected to the moisture detection module (7), compare the power levelvalue (43) of the power source (16) to a low power level value (43A),and in operation (34) if the power level value (43) is less than the lowpower level value (43A), operation (35) can include execution ofinstructions (29C) to activate the low power level indicator (20).

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 12, in particular embodiments, themicroprocessor system (29) moisture detection module (7) can furtheroperate (36) to execute instructions (29C) to receive moisture sensorsignals (15) generated by the moisture sensor (10). In particularembodiments, the moisture sensor signals (15) can vary based upon themutual capacitance between adjacent planar electrodes (12B′)(12B″) ofthe moisture sensing strips (12) or self-capacitance of one of themoisture sensing strips (12). Operation (36) can further includeexecution of instructions (29C) to analyze moisture sensor signals (15)received from said moisture sensor (10). Analysis can, but need notnecessarily, include a mutual or self-capacitance measurement andcomparison of a mutual or self-capacitance value (44) against a moisturedetection capacitance value (44A). If the mutual or self-capacitancevalue (44) is greater than the moisture detection capacitance value(44A), then further operation (37) detects moisture (3) inside of saidgarment (2) based on analysis of said moisture sensor signals (15).

Again, referring primarily to FIG. 12, in particular embodiments,operation (36) can further include execution of instructions (29C) tovalidate detection of moisture (3) inside of the garment (2). Tovalidate detection of moisture (3) inside of the garment (2) themoisture sensor signals (15) and measured mutual or self-capacitancevalue (44) can be re-analyzed against the moisture detection capacitancevalue (44A) over a period of time, or the moisture sensor (10) can beinterrogated a pre-determined number of times, and if the mutual orself-capacitance value (44) continues to be greater than the moisturedetection capacitance value (44A) over the period of time repeatedinterrogations, then further operation (37) detects moisture (3) insideof the garment (2). Upon detection of moisture (3) inside of the garment(2), the moisture detection module (7) can further perform one or moreof operations (38), (39), or (40) activating at least one moistureindicator (21), (23), (24) which emits a sensorially perceivable indicia(21A), (23A), (24A), respectively, upon detection of said moisture (3)in the garment (2). In particular embodiments, operation (38) activatesa light emitting element (21) which emits a sensorially perceivableamount of light (21A) to either the garment wearer (W) or the caretaker(C). In particular embodiments, operation (39) activates a vibrationemitting element (24) which emits a sensorially perceivable amount ofvibration (24A) to the garment wearer (W) or the caretaker (C). Inparticular embodiments, operation (40) activates a sound emittingelement (23) which emits a sensorially perceivable amount of sound (23A)to the garment wearer (W) or the caretaker (C). In particularembodiments, two or more of operations (38), (39) or (40) can occurconcurrently for a period of time. In particular embodiments, operations(38), (39) and (40) can occur concurrently for a period of time, andupon elapse of the period of time, operations (39) and (40) can bediscontinued and operation (38) can continue until operation (42) isperformed. Operation (42) includes operation of the reset switch (19)upon which the microprocessor system (29) executes instructions (29C) toperform operation (31) and deactivate the light emitting element (21).The garment wearer (W) or the caretaker (C) can operate the reset switch(19). In particular embodiments, when operation (35) activates the lowpower indicator (22) concurrent with one or more of operations (38),(39), or (40), the moisture detection module (7) can further operate(41) to execute instructions (29C) which disables operation (35) todeactivate the low power indicator (22).

Various embodiments further include use and operation sequences or dataimplemented in accordance with the foregoing description of the moisturedetecting article (1).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts ofthe present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. Theinvention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a moisturedetecting article, a moisture detection module, a method of moisturedetection, a method of using a moisture detecting article, and thecomponent parts thereof, including the best mode.

As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the inventiondisclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tablesaccompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, butrather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments genericallyencompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect toany particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description ofa single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitlydescribe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives areimplicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each stepof a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Suchterms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitlybroad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example,it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed asan action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causesthat action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed asthe physical element or the action which that physical elementfacilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of an “indicator” shouldbe understood to encompass disclosure of the act of “indicating”—whetherexplicitly discussed or not—and, conversely, were there effectivelydisclosure of the act of “indicating”, such a disclosure should beunderstood to encompass disclosure of an “indicator” and even a “meansfor indicating.” Such alternative terms for each element are to beunderstood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unlessits utilization in this application is inconsistent with suchinterpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to beincluded in the description for each term as contained in the RandomHouse Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definitionhereby incorporated by reference.

All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term“about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of thepresent invention, ranges may be expressed as from “about” oneparticular value to “about” another particular value. When such a rangeis expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular valueto the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges byendpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. Anumerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint. When a value is expressed as an approximation by use of theantecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular valueforms another embodiment. The term “about” generally refers to a rangeof numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalentto the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.Similarly, the antecedent “substantially” means largely, but not wholly,the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have arange of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art wouldconsider as having the same function or result. When a particularelement is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent“substantially,” it will be understood that the particular element formsanother embodiment.

Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term “a” or“an” entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwiselimited. As such, the terms “a” or “an”, “one or more” and “at leastone” can be used interchangeably herein.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) themoisture detecting article disclosed and described, ii) each of therelated methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, andeven implicit variations of each of the article and methods, iv) thosealternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown,disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods whichaccomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplishthat which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, andstep shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applicationsenhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) theresulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methodsand apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and withreference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the variouscombinations and permutations of each of the previous elementsdisclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statementof the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This sectionmay also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United Statespatents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of theclaimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concernsabout the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. Itis not intended that any United States patent, patent application,publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated hereinbe interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art withrespect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are herebyincorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention,and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or aportion of such incorporated content of such claims as additionaldescription to support any of or all of the claims or any element orcomponent thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves theright to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of suchclaims or any element or component thereof from the description into theclaims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for whichprotection is sought by this application or by any subsequentapplication or continuation, division, or continuation-in-partapplication thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in feespursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations ofany country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shallsurvive during the entire pendency of this application including anysubsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part applicationthereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, arefurther intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number ofthe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construedas the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing ofembodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does notwaive any right to develop further claims based upon the description setforth above as a part of any continuation, division, orcontinuation-in-part, or similar application.

What is claimed is: 1 A moisture detecting article, comprising: agarment; a moisture detection module secured to said garment, saidmoisture detection module including: a moisture sensor disposed to sensemoisture within said garment, said moisture sensor generating moisturesensor signals upon occurrence of said moisture in said garment; and aprocessor communicatively coupled to a non-transitory computer readablemedium containing computer executable instructions executable toactivate at least one moisture indicator which emits a sensoriallyperceivable indicia upon detection of said moisture in said garment. 2.The moisture detecting article of claim 1, further comprising a moistureabsorbent material removably affixed to said garment, said moisturesensor located to detect said moisture captured by said moistureabsorbent material.
 3. The moisture detecting article of claim 2,wherein said moisture absorbent material removably affixed to saidgarment captures said moisture originating from a wearer of saidgarment.
 4. The moisture detecting article of claim 3, wherein saidmoisture comprises a body fluid originating from a wearer of saidgarment.
 5. The moisture detecting article of claim 4, wherein said bodyfluid is selected from one or more of the group consisting of urine,feces, saliva, blood, breastmilk, mucus, vaginal secretion, semen,amniotic fluid, and vomit.
 6. The moisture detecting article of claim 5,further comprising fasteners attached to said garment, said fastenersoperable to removably affix said moisture absorbent material at saidlocation on said garment to capture said moisture.
 7. The moisturedetecting article of claim 1, wherein said computer executableinstructions are further executable to receive said moisture sensorsignals generated by said moisture sensor.
 8. The moisture detectingarticle of claim 7, wherein said computer executable instructions arefurther executable to analyze said moisture sensor signals received fromsaid moisture sensor.
 9. The moisture detecting article of claim 8,wherein said computer executable instructions are further executable todetect said moisture in said garment based on analysis of said moisturesensor signals.
 10. The moisture detecting article of claim 9, whereinsaid computer executable instructions are further executable to validatedetection of said moisture in said garment.
 11. The moisture detectingarticle of claim 1, wherein said at least one moisture indicatorcomprises a light emitting element which emits a sensorially perceivableamount of light.
 12. The moisture detecting article of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one moisture indicator comprises a sound emitting elementwhich emits a sensorially perceivable amount of sound.
 13. The moisturedetecting article of claim 1, wherein said at least one moistureindicator comprises a vibration emitting element which emits asensorially perceivable amount of vibration.
 14. The moisture detectingarticle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of said moistureindicators, at least one of said plurality of said moisture indicatorsbeing a light emitting element which emits a sensorially perceivableamount of light, wherein said computer executable instructions arefurther executable to activate each of said plurality of said moistureindicators and deactivate each of said plurality of said moistureindicators upon elapse of a period of time, said light emitting elementremaining activated until deactivated by user interaction with a resetelement of said moisture detection module.
 15. The moisture detectingarticle of claim 14, wherein said plurality of said moisture indicatorsinclude a light emitting element which emits a sensorially perceivableamount of light, a sound emitting element which emits a sensoriallyperceivable amount of sound, and a vibration emitting element whichemits a sensorially perceivable amount of vibration.
 16. The moisturedetecting article of claim 1, wherein said computer executableinstructions are further executable to: determine a power level value ofa power source electrically connected to said moisture detection module;compare said power level value of said power source to a low power levelvalue; and activate a low power level indicator if said power levelvalue is less than said low power level value.
 17. The moisturedetecting article of claim 16, wherein said a low power level indicatorcomprises a light emitting element comprises a light emitting elementwhich a sensorially perceivable amount of light.
 18. The moisturedetecting article of claim 17, wherein said computer executableinstructions are further executable to disable determination of saidpower level of said power source upon activation of said moistureindicator.
 19. The moisture detecting article of claim 1, wherein saidcomputer executable instructions are further executable to re-initializesaid moisture detection module by user interaction with a reset elementelectrically connected to said moisture detection module.
 20. Themoisture detecting article of claim 19, further comprising a transceiverfor exchanging data with a remote computing device.
 21. The moisturedetecting article of claim 20, wherein said transceiver compriseswireless communication.
 22. The moisture detecting article of claim 21,wherein said computer executable instructions are further executable totransmit notification of detection of said moisture in said garment tosaid remote computing device.
 23. The moisture detecting article ofclaim 22, wherein said computer executable instructions are furtherexecutable to associate a date-time stamp with each said notification ofdetection of said moisture in said garment to said remote computingdevice.
 24. The moisture detecting article of claim 23, wherein saidcomputer executable instructions are further executable to save eachsaid notification associated with said date-time stamp in a moisturedetection log in date-time order retrievable by said remote computingdevice.
 25. The moisture detecting article of claim 24, wherein computerexecutable instructions further executable to: receive resetinstructions from said remote computing device; and re-initialize saidmoisture detection module by user interaction with said reset elementelectrically connected to said moisture detection module.
 26. A methodof moisture detection in an article, comprising: securing a moisturedetection module to a garment, said moisture detection module including:a moisture sensor; a processor communicatively coupled to anon-transitory computer readable medium containing computer executableinstructions; disposing said moisture sensor at a location in saidgarment to sense moisture; initializing said moisture detection modulesecured to said garment, said processor executing said computerexecutable instructions to: receive moisture sensor signals generated bysaid moisture sensor; analyze said moisture sensor signals received fromsaid moisture sensor; detect moisture in said garment based on analysisof said moisture sensor signals; validate detection of said moisture insaid garment; activate a moisture indicator which emits a sensoriallyperceivable indicia upon detection of said moisture in said garment; andemitting a sensorially perceivable indicia from said moisture detectionmodule upon occurrence of sensed said moisture in said garment.
 27. Themethod of moisture detection of claim 26, wherein emitting a sensoriallyperceivable indicia from said moisture detection module comprises one ormore of: emitting a sensorially perceivable amount of light, emitting asensorially perceivable amount of sound, and emitting a sensoriallyperceivable amount of vibration.
 28. The method of moisture detection ofclaim 27, wherein said moisture indicator comprises a plurality ofmoisture indicators, at least one of said moisture indicators being alight emitting element which emits a sensorially perceivable amount oflight, further executing said computer executable instructions toactivate each of said plurality of a moisture indicators and deactivateeach of said plurality of moisture indicators upon elapse of a period oftime, said light emitting element remaining activated until deactivatedby user interaction with a reset element of said moisture detectionmodule.
 29. The method of moisture detection of claim 28, wherein saidsensorially perceivable indicia is selected from one or more of thegroup consisting of: a sensorially perceivable amount of light, asensorially perceivable amount of sound, and a sensorially perceivableamount of vibration.
 30. The method of moisture detection of claim 26,wherein said moisture indicator comprises a plurality of moistureindicators, at least one of said moisture indicators consisting of alight emitting element which emits a sensorially perceivable amount oflight, further comprising executing said computer executableinstructions to activate each of said plurality of a moisture indicatorsand deactivate each of said plurality of moisture indicators upon elapseof a period of time, said light emitting element remaining activateduntil deactivated by user interaction with said reset element of saidmoisture detection module.
 31. The method of moisture detection of claim26, further comprising executing said computer executable instructionsto re-initialize said moisture detection module by user interaction withsaid reset element.
 32. The method of moisture detection of claim 26,further comprising executing said computer executable instructions to:determine a power level value of a power source electrically connectedto said moisture detection module; compare said power level value ofsaid power source to a low power level value; activate a low power levelindicator if said power level value is less than said low power levelvalue.
 33. The method of moisture detection of claim 32, furthercomprising activating said low power indicator to emit said sensoriallyperceivable amount of light.
 34. The method of moisture detection ofclaim 33, further comprising executing said computer executableinstructions to disable determination of said power level of said powersource upon activation of said moisture indicator.
 35. A method of usinga moisture detection article, comprising: securing a moisture detectionmodule to a garment; disposing said moisture sensor at a location insaid garment to sense moisture; positioning said garment on a wearer;initializing said moisture detection module secured to said garment,said moisture detection module including a processor executing computerexecutable instructions contained in a non-transitory computer readablemedium to: receive moisture sensor signals generated by said moisturesensor; analyze said moisture sensor signals received from said moisturesensor; detect said moisture in said garment based on analysis of saidmoisture sensor signals; validate detection of said moisture in saidgarment; activate a moisture indicator which emits a sensoriallyperceivable indicia upon detection of said moisture in said garment; andre-initializing said moisture detection module to disable said moistureindicator and interrupt emission of said sensorially perceivableindicia.
 36. The method of using a moisture detection article of claim35, further comprising: sensorially perceiving emitted said sensoriallyperceivable indicia indicating detection of said moisture in saidgarment; removing said garment from said wearer.
 37. The method of usinga moisture detection article of claim 36, further comprising: affixing amoisture absorbent material to said garment to capture said moisture,said moisture sensor disposed on said moisture absorbent material todetect said moisture; detaching said moisture absorbent materialcontaining said moisture from said garment.
 38. The method of using amoisture detection article of claim 37, further comprisingre-positioning said garment on said wearer.
 39. The method of using amoisture detection article of claim 38, wherein said moisture comprisesa body fluid originating from said wearer, and further comprising,positioning said garment or said moisture absorbent material affixed tosaid garment to capture said body fluid.
 40. The method of using amoisture detection article of claim 39, wherein said body fluid isselected from one or more of the group consisting of urine, feces,saliva, blood, breastmilk, mucus, vaginal secretion, semen, amnioticfluid, and vomit.
 41. The method of using a moisture detection articleof claim 40, further comprising operating fasteners attached to saidgarment or said moisture absorbent material, said fasteners operable toremovably affix said moisture absorbent material at said location onsaid garment to capture said moisture.
 42. The method of using amoisture detection article of claim 41, wherein sensorially perceivingemitted said sensorially perceivable indicia indicating detection ofsaid moisture in said garment comprises sensorially perceiving one ormore of a sensorially perceivable amount of light, a sensoriallyperceivable amount of sound, and a sensorially perceivable amount ofvibration.
 43. The method of using a moisture detection article of claim42, further comprising sensorially perceiving said amount of light untildeactivated by user interaction with a reset element of said moisturedetection module to re-initialize said moisture detection module. 44.The method of using a moisture detection article of claim 43, whereinsaid computer executable instructions are further executable to:determine a power level value of a power source electrically connectedto said moisture detection module; compare said power level value ofsaid power source to a low power level value; and activate a low powerlevel indicator if said power level value is less than said low powerlevel value, and further comprising: perceiving a sensoriallyperceivable amount of light indicating said low power level; andreplacing said power source in said moisture detection module.